Home meat processing shop
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You can use GFI breakers in your breaker box. The downside would be that in case of a fault detection every outlet on that circuit would drop
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When wired in correctly, you need only one GFCI receptacle on each circuit. All the other regular receptacles are then protected by the first GFCI. It makes it much less work to bring everything up to code.
GFCI receptacles are also cheaper than GFCI breakers.

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calldoctoday fair point. They will all be enclosed in waterproof/ outdoor covers and not exposed. They are also placed well above table tops. There is also no running water in the shop. Water will be brought in by the bucket and hot cleaning will be done with a steamer. We made need to make that change sometime, especially if/ when I add running water. We did leave plenty of wire for down the road. Not everything will be ideal right away for sure. For now I’ll have to exercise caution in some areas, including this one.
Deepwoodsbutcher So long as you are comfortable with it, but I would add them. As glen duly noted too, the protection can be provided via multiple sources, including a GFCI breaker in the sub panel. If all the countertop type receptacles or outlets that you might be plugging into regularly & unplugging, along with any exterior or near any wash basins are on individual circuits & not too many, circuit breaker protection for the entire circuit would work best at this point & many.
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When wired in correctly, you need only one GFCI receptacle on each circuit. All the other regular receptacles are then protected by the first GFCI. It makes it much less work to bring everything up to code.
GFCI receptacles are also cheaper than GFCI breakers.

processhead So long as it is done right & they are all piggy backed to that first one on the load side downhill, as you probably were aware, since you mentioned it. Just wanted to make sure all involved understood what you were referring to.
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processhead So long as it is done right & they are all piggy backed to that first one on the load side downhill, as you probably were aware, since you mentioned it. Just wanted to make sure all involved understood what you were referring to.
calldoctoday said in Home meat processing shop:
processhead So long as it is done right & they are all piggy backed to that first one on the load side downhill, as you probably were aware, since you mentioned it. Just wanted to make sure all involved understood what you were referring to.
Correct. I added a diagram above that illustrates how the down stream outlets are fed from the GFCI outlet, which in turn is fed by the circuit breaker.
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calldoctoday said in Home meat processing shop:
processhead So long as it is done right & they are all piggy backed to that first one on the load side downhill, as you probably were aware, since you mentioned it. Just wanted to make sure all involved understood what you were referring to.
Correct. I added a diagram above that illustrates how the down stream outlets are fed from the GFCI outlet, which in turn is fed by the circuit breaker.
processhead Good Job! Pardon me for being so quick on everything. I am supposed to be working, writing this report & behind as we had phones & internet down here for a hard day & a half, with internet sketchy. You did a much better job with your diagram than me trying to explain it general real quick.
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calldoctoday fair point. They will all be enclosed in waterproof/ outdoor covers and not exposed. They are also placed well above table tops. There is also no running water in the shop. Water will be brought in by the bucket and hot cleaning will be done with a steamer. We made need to make that change sometime, especially if/ when I add running water. We did leave plenty of wire for down the road. Not everything will be ideal right away for sure. For now I’ll have to exercise caution in some areas, including this one.
Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
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When wired in correctly, you need only one GFCI receptacle on each circuit. All the other regular receptacles are then protected by the first GFCI. It makes it much less work to bring everything up to code.
GFCI receptacles are also cheaper than GFCI breakers.

processhead thank you for this! Seems like an easy enough solution. I’m sure my husband can make that change. We are definitely not electricians lol. This is what makes this site so great. A lot of different experience and knowledge. Thank you all for the ideas! I definitely want things to be safe.
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Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
bocephus said in Home meat processing shop:
Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
The code doesn’t only require GFCI protection for areas with running water. All kitchen counter receptacles are required to have them whether close to a sink or not.
As little expense and labor as it would take to add them, I would agree that they are a good idea. -
processhead thank you for this! Seems like an easy enough solution. I’m sure my husband can make that change. We are definitely not electricians lol. This is what makes this site so great. A lot of different experience and knowledge. Thank you all for the ideas! I definitely want things to be safe.
Deepwoodsbutcher I agree with you regarding the people in this site are wonderful on food prep and building whatever. They just want their food with taste and the materials to be safe. Yay for all.
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Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
bocephus said in Home meat processing shop:
Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
I’ll bet if you check into your local codes you might be required to.
Also are your outlets wired so there will be no open neutrals? -
bocephus said in Home meat processing shop:
Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
The code doesn’t only require GFCI protection for areas with running water. All kitchen counter receptacles are required to have them whether close to a sink or not.
As little expense and labor as it would take to add them, I would agree that they are a good idea.processhead Don’t get me quoting code, but I am with you.
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You better consult your local inspectors!
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processhead thank you for this! Seems like an easy enough solution. I’m sure my husband can make that change. We are definitely not electricians lol. This is what makes this site so great. A lot of different experience and knowledge. Thank you all for the ideas! I definitely want things to be safe.
Deepwoodsbutcher We want to save you & your family’s life if we can. Don 't let me scare you though, that is not the intent.
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bocephus said in Home meat processing shop:
Deepwoodsbutcher I think you should still put in GFIs, even without running water, you will still use water for cleaning.
The code doesn’t only require GFCI protection for areas with running water. All kitchen counter receptacles are required to have them whether close to a sink or not.
As little expense and labor as it would take to add them, I would agree that they are a good idea.processhead I have no counters. Just tables. And only one outlet sits directly above a table top. Should be able to change it out no problem.
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Don’t get me wrong, the electrical isn’t finished yet. I’m not the one doing it, so I’m not positive about the plan. The box might have the gfci breakers, I just don’t know myself. I’ll pass along some of your concerns. As it is, there is no power being run since the trailer is unplugged. It’s just a work in progress. We always err on the side of caution with these things as my husband and myself are both safety conscious people. In fact the shop is already equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Everything will be checked and double checked before use.
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A little bit of progress on the shop today. Hit a few snags recently, but we are back on track. I have a beef scheduled for next weekend so we are trying to wrap up the cooler. I think it looks pretty good so far.

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A little bit of progress on the shop today. Hit a few snags recently, but we are back on track. I have a beef scheduled for next weekend so we are trying to wrap up the cooler. I think it looks pretty good so far.

Deepwoodsbutcher it’s looking great
. Are you using the cool bot? -
Deepwoodsbutcher it’s looking great
. Are you using the cool bot?cdavis yes, it’s a coolbot setup. It works great for me. Gets beef quarters below 40*f in less than 24 hrs. The cooler is about 7’x7’ inside, with 6" of foam insulation.
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cdavis yes, it’s a coolbot setup. It works great for me. Gets beef quarters below 40*f in less than 24 hrs. The cooler is about 7’x7’ inside, with 6" of foam insulation.
Deepwoodsbutcher I really want to build a cooler. Seeing yours makes me want one even more. Thanks for sharing your venture. Can’t wait to see it with a beef in there.
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